Motown's First Female Writer/Producer Passes Away at 78

By: Kyle McCann

April 20, 2017

We're sad to share news of the passing of a female music-pioneer.

Motown's first female writer/producer, Sylvia Rose Moy has passed away at the age of 78. While Moy is likely not a household name to many of you, her impact on music certainly is. According to his autobiography, Berry Gordy has said that Moy was the reason why the label stuck with Stevie Wonder. Moy wrote, co-wrote, and/or produced several of Wonder's hits. She also worked with legendary artists such as The Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, and many more.

Moy was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2006.

Moy never married nor had children. She is survived by her five sisters.